Author: News Desk

Australia: The Australian cricketer David Warner battled through searing heat to smash an incredible unbroken 200 before retiring in discomfort as Australia extended their lead over South Africa in his 100th Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The hosts were 386-3 at the end of day two of the second Test, leading by 197 runs after the Proteas were bowled for 189 runs in their first innings on a scorching day. Travis Head was not out 48 with Alex Carey on nine. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne were the only wickets to fall. But worryingly for Australia, Cameron Green, who…

India: Ukrainian President Mr. Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he was counting on India’s assistance to implement a “peace formula,” during a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. The call comes as New Delhi looks to strengthen commercial ties with Moscow after becoming one of the country’s largest oil buyers, defying Western sanctions and giving Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin a crucial financial lifeline while the Kremlin continues an unprovoked war against its neighbour. https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1607371233108140034?s=20&t=irN4Bsmb3r6MUUGGCA5IaA “I announced the peace formula and now I count on India’s participation in its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support…

Iran: The football legend of Iran Mr. Ali Daei has stated that an international flight has been rerouted to prevent his wife and daughter from leaving the country. The 53-year-old, who supports anti-government protests in Iran, claimed that his family’s flight from Tehran to Dubai to join him on vacation was forced to land on Kish island in the Gulf and they were removed. Mr. Daei shared that “they were going to Dubai for a few days and then back. If they had been barred from leaving, the passport police system should have indicated it. No one has given me…

London, UK: Mr. Stephen Greif, who starred in Blake’s 7 and The Crown, passed away at the age of 78. Mr. Greif had a long career in stage and film. He also made appearances in Doctors, Coronation Street, and EastEnders. His representatives at Michelle Braidman Associates stated that, “With great sadness, we announce the death of our wonderful client Stephen Greif.” “His extensive career included numerous roles on screen and stage, including at the National Theatre, RSC and in the West End. We will miss him dearly and our thoughts are with his family and friends,” the representatives remarked. The…

China: The National Health Commission of China has announced that the country will drop COVID-19 quarantine requirements for passengers arriving from abroad starting January 8 as part of easing the once-strict virus-control measures. The measure is the latest in a series of restrictions to be lifted as China gives up its “zero-COVID” policy. Since March 2020, all passengers arriving in China have had to undergo mandatory quarantine. Currently, arriving passengers are required to quarantine for five days at a hotel, followed by three days at home. Earlier, there was a requirement to quarantine for three weeks. While commenting on the…

Afghanistan: Following the Taliban regime’s decision to restrict women from working for non-governmental organisations, four significant international aid organizations have ceased their operations in Afghanistan. Save the Children, the International Rescue Committee, the Norwegian Refugee Council and CARE stated that they could not effectively reach people in desperate need without the women in their workforces. The NGO ban was introduced a day earlier, allegedly because women were not wearing the Islamic headscarf correctly. In the midst of worsening humanitarian conditions, the four NGOs have been offering support and services in the areas of healthcare, education, child protection, and nutrition. The…

Taiwan: According to reports from the Taiwan government, 71 Chinese air force aircraft, including fighter jets and drones, have entered Taiwan’s air defence identification zone. The Taiwanese Defense Ministry claimed that 47 aircraft were spotted either crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entering Taiwan’s southwestern air defence identification zone. Seven Chinese navy warships were also detected in the region by the Defence Ministry. In recent years, China has intensified military harassment of self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims to own. Taiwan’s president, Ms. Tsai Ing-wen, reiterated the need for Taiwan to boost its defence capacity due to “the…

Egypt: According to the statement, Minister of International Cooperation of Government of Egypt Ms. Rania Al-Mashat stated that the World Bank had given Egypt a new $500 million to fund the “Takaful and Karama” program. Ms. Al-Mashat remarked the program protects the most vulnerable classes from the effects of external shocks and global economic crises. The Minister pointed out that the additional funding strengthens Egypt’s institutional capacities by providing technical support and funding for investments in payment and accountancy system registration, control, and verification. The financing also improves cash plus inputs and boosts usage of digital technology, the minister cited. Ms.…

Indonesia: Dozens of Rohingya refugees have reached a beach in Indonesia’s northernmost province of Aceh after spending weeks at sea. The Rohingya are a persecuted ethnic minority in their original home of Myanmar. According to the local police chief Mr. Rolly Yuiza Away, a group of 58 men arrived on Indrapatra beach at Ladong, a fishing village in Aceh Besar district. “They look very weak from hunger and dehydration. Some of them are sick after a long and severe voyage at sea,” Mr. Away shared while adding that the men received food and water from villagers and others as they…

United States: 21 people have died there as the US struggles with a winter storm that has seen temperatures drop as low as -45C. More than 200 million people – around 60 percent of the US population are under some form of weather warning or advisory, with the brutal cold expected to continue through the Christmas weekend. The Kansas Highway Patrol stated that three people died in separate car accidents as a result of drivers losing control of their vehicles on icy roads. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in inland states have plunged, the Des Moines, Iowa, feeling like it…